Position Description & Application
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Recruits, screens, interviews, and trains volunteers in accordance with the District’s Volunteer
Handbook.
• Oversees and administers the District’s Community Science programs (bluebird nest box
monitoring, calling frog surveys, bat monitoring, Beespotter, and Project Budburst). Develops
training aids and conducts annual trainings for new participants. Engages and assists community
scientists in the field with site familiarization tours and group monitoring events. Enters data
collected by volunteers into partner databases and analyzes data to inform resource management
here at the District.
• Represents the District and promotes the District’s volunteer program through public
presentations, open houses, regional and state meetings, volunteer fairs, special events and
promotional materials with the purpose of recruiting volunteers.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding volunteer opportunities and the volunteer program.
• Works with corporate or civic groups to coordinate volunteer opportunities.
• Selects and places volunteers according to project and organizational needs and suitability and
skills of the volunteers.
• Serves as the liaison between management, staff and volunteers.
• Coordinates or assists with the coordination of volunteer events such as restoration workdays,
seed harvests, tree planting, educational programs and special events.
• Works with the Communications Coordinator to prepare news releases and other promotional
material to promote volunteer and public events.
• Develops recognition, retention and motivational programs for volunteers.
• Serves as the administrator for the management of the volunteer program and tracks,
records and reports on volunteers, hours and activities.
• Establishes positive relationships with the community and preserve users.
• May work irregular hours such as evenings and weekends to participate in or coordinate volunteer
activities or events.
• Able to make effective oral, written and graphic presentations and publications.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with employees, supervisors, other agencies,
volunteers, community leaders, District officials and the public.
• Tracks stewardship budget, makes recommendations for supply and equipment purchases, and
assists in the preparation of the department’s annual budget.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, skill, and/or ability
required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential functions.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, natural resource management, ecology,
wildlife management, or a related field.
• Experience: Demonstrable experience working with volunteers in a natural resource capacity;
community science experience preferred.
• Must have, or obtain within six months of hire, an Illinois Pesticide Applicator’s License and
S130/S190 prescribed burn training.
